My name is Margaux Moon. I am a Queer Black-White-Biracial Womxn that currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina of the US. I created MamaMoon as a platform for Queer Black Folx to receive abortion support and connect the dots between support, education, and liberation. As a trained abortion doula and community organizer putting in work for reproductive justice, for LGBTQ rights, and against systemic racism that violently permeates southern states in the US, bullying and violence are both still very real in 2020, and it’s bigger than the sticks and stones breaking bones and the words we claim never hurt us.

Most people have experienced bullying and violence, but what most may not realize is that, at some point or another, they have played the role of the bully. They have played the role of the abuser. Under the guise of humor or habit, many do not not realize their impact supersedes their intentions. So while their intentions may have been in the right place, their impact is what really sticks. Something to really marinate on as we take action together against bullying and violence is to realize that when somebody tells you that you’ve caused them harm, you do not get to decide to what extent. Taking action together means self-accountability. Taking action together means vulnerability - admitting you’ve been exposed to violence or bullying. Taking action together means listening in times you need to listen. Taking action together means speaking in times you need to speak.

A cultural shift towards becoming more mindful about the way our words and actions affect others is what we should strive for, and this should be reflected in our daily lives. It will make it easier for others to speak up about the bullying and violence they endure. Some environments pride themselves on being safe spaces, especially for marginalized communities like LGBTQ; however, it is BRAVE spaces that we should all be placing ourselves in. Brave spaces where we acknowledge our flawed thinking and replace them with healthy habits that are trauma-informed. Taking action together means we have to be intentional about creating these BRAVE spaces where people can feel empowered to work through the uncomfortableness of growth.

As we move forward to take action together against bullying and violence, self-awareness and clear communication are key components to reducing harm. We must be willing to have uncomfortable conversations that peel back the damaging facets of our own personalities in order to grow. Many bullies and abusers are folx that have not been able to heal from their own trauma, so to escape, they find power in dominating others. We must continue to lift up those that are taking on the emotional labor to educate folx on such a taxing topic. We must lift up restorative justice practices for the abusers who were once the abused. Not to say that change falls on the responsibility of the victims to have systems in place for abusers but rather former abusers and bullies utilize their life experiences to identify and assist those that may be in similar situations they once found themselves in Community. We have to be in community with one another.

For those that are subjected to bullying and violence because of their sexual and gender identities, know that there are resources available to you and your accessibility needs. What will be very impactful to taking action against bullying and violence is identifying solid support systems that help to minimize abuse from thriving and actually extend SOLID support. If we begin in the home, where most initially turn to for solid support, it is extremely important for adults to be mindful of the way we are raising our children. Are we empowering our children to speak up for themselves or are we making them feel small? Parents can be some of the first bullies we make contact with, and because of the intimate dynamic, this experience could shape how children interact with others. It could drive them to reflect similar behaviors, or it could make them more susceptible to tolerating abuse. Microagressions can be just as damaging as physical harm. Especially in homes, we must recognize the way adultism romanticises the way parents have authority over their children. Every home is a school. Be mindful of what your home teaches.

There are many forms of therapy one could use to facilitate healing, as an individual, as a family, as a community. Mental health therapy. Camping. Meditation. Yoga. Cooking food. Drawing. Healing does not look a certain way. Practice self-awareness and seek experienced external help if you are unsure how to navigate your healing. For those carrying the emotional brunt of dealing directly with abusers, know that we honor the light in you. And for those that may find themselves possessing harmful habits towards others, know that we still honor the light in you and wish you much guidance on self-accountability. Let’s all take action together against bullying and violence every day.

Written by Margaux Moon

Keyword: National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence